CHFL: Hepburn premiership duo to hang up boots

TWO Hepburn premiership players have indicated they will hang up the boots in 2014 as the Burras chase back-to-back Central Highlands Football League flags.

Ruckman Salesi Uhi and onballer Danny Abbott will not be part of coach Clive Raak’s on-field plans next season.

Uhi battled a knee injury for much of the 2013 campaign to play 10 games, while Abbott was a more regular fixture in the senior team, featuring 16 times.

“Although retiring from playing, Sal will be continuing his long involvement with the Burras by assisting us in our fitness, strength and conditioning this year,” Hepburn president Jason Dooley told The Courier.

“He is a professional trainer by trade so his input in this field will be a real bonus.

“Although Danny won’t be playing due to family and work commitments, he will still be around the club, keeping fit and helping out wherever he can.”

The pair’s absence means the Burras will be without at least four players from last year’s premiership team following news spearhead Lee Cox and key position player Trevor Johnson are moving on.

Cox has joined Central Murray club Tooleybuc-Manangatang, with Johnson to play for Jeparit-Rainbow in the Mallee competition.

Meanwhile, the Burras’ coaching structure has had a slight reshuffle ahead of next season.

Rory Ford and Steven Carman take on the reserves job with last year’s coach Shane Pedretti stepping up to a senior assistant role with Matthew Brown.

Jamie Grant remains in charge of the under-12s, as does Lindsay Olver in the under-14.5s.

Danny Abbott (left) and Salesi Uhi will not play with the Burras in 2014.